Power Minister: “Our Universities Will Never Be the Same Again”
In a landmark decision to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts totaling ₦68.7 billion for two major power projects. These initiatives are aimed at providing reliable and sustainable electricity to federal universities, teaching hospitals, and rural communities across the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, while addressing journalists after the FEC meeting held at the State House in Abuja, and chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Adelabu, the approvals reflect the current administration’s commitment to transforming the power sector. In addition, he emphasized that this move will deliver critical infrastructure that will serve educational institutions and rural economies.
“This administration is bent on transforming the power sector and improving electricity supply to two key sectors vital to our national development,” the minister stated.
Phase II of Energising Education Programme to Cover Eight More Institutions
The first contract involves engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services under the Energising Education Programme (EEP) — a government-led initiative implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with funding from the Special Intervention Fund for Infrastructure Development.
The programme is designed to provide clean, consistent, and cost-effective power to federal universities and their associated teaching hospitals, reducing reliance on diesel generators and mitigating the impact of power shortages on education and healthcare delivery.
Adelabu noted that several institutions already benefiting from earlier phases of the programme include:
- University of Abuja (solar-powered campus).
- University of Niger (12MW power plant for both university and teaching hospital).
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (8MW).
- Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW).
- Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
The new rollout will extend to the following institutions:
- University of Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (UCH)
- University of Calabar
- Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State)
“This is another milestone in ensuring that our universities enjoy uninterrupted electricity. Our universities will never be the same again,” Adelabu affirmed.
Implementation is expected to take between seven to nine months.
Rural Electrification to Empower Agricultural Clusters and SMEs
The second project focuses on the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure in rural communities. It will be under the REA’s Agricultural Centres of Excellence initiative.
This initiative targets agribusiness clusters and rural households, with the aim of stimulating local economies through the provision of solar-powered processing equipment and productive-use energy solutions.
“This is not limited to just lighting homes. It includes powering processing equipment for agricultural produce and small-scale enterprises,” the minister explained.
By supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural processing in rural areas, the government hopes to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses. This will create income-generating opportunities for rural dwellers as well.
“We are committed to empowering rural communities to enjoy a better quality of life while improving their productivity and prosperity,” Adelabu added.
The rural electrification component is expected to be completed within three months. Therefore delivering quick-impact infrastructure to underserved regions.
Total Project Cost and Implementation Timeline
The total value of both projects is ₦68.7 billion, inclusive of 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT).
- University and teaching hospital electrification projects: 7–9 months.
- Rural solar energy installations: 3 months.
These developments signal a clear intent by the federal government to address long-standing power challenges in Nigeria’s public institutions and rural areas. Thus laying the foundation for a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.